One Dead in Highway 54 Accident Involving Wrong Way Driver

JEFFERSON CITY - A young woman is dead after being hit by a car driving the wrong direction on Highway 54.

Jefferson City Police Sergeant Doug Ruediger says his department received a call shortly before 10p.m. that a white Ford Ranger pickup truck was going the opposite direction on Highway 54.

According to Jefferson City Police, the driver collided with another vehicle driving in the southbound lane. Crews arrived within minutes of the accident to find the driver of the car that was struck, a 19 year-old-woman, trapped in her car. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger in her car was airlifted to the University Hospital where she is in critical condition.

The driver of the truck is being treated at a local hospital for minor injuries. Ruediger says police have reason to believe alcohol was involved in the accident.